Monday, December 22, 2014

I'm pretty much obsessed with oatmeal cookies right now. Tis the season of baking, and BOY am I BAKING! Mainly these bad boys! They're our favorite. Trust me, they'll be your favorite too once you taste one fresh from the oven with a cold glass of milk. MMMmmm.... HEAVEN!

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c. Apple Sauce

1/2 c. Creamy Peanut Butter

1 egg

1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1/4 c. Brown Sugar

1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

1/2 c. Sugar

1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

1 c. Old Fashioned Oats

3/4 c. Flour

1/2 c. Chocolate Chips

In a large bowl mix with a hand blender or mixer applesauce, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Add and mix in brown sugar, baking powder, sugar, baking soda. Add oats, flour and chocolate chips. When all well combined, place by rounds on a greased cookie sheet.

Friday, December 19, 2014

We moved into our new home about 3 months ago. I painted my kitchen cabinets 4 days after moving here! That just goes to show how busy we've been since moving.

So... 3 months later I'm bringing you one of my favorite painting projects to date!

My awesome Aunt Laura helped me paint my cabinets. She and I went to the paint store in the morning, painted all day, and finished late afternoon! This was done in 1 day! IT WAS AWESOME! I was so worried I would have to wait for the paint to dry, put another coat on, then wax, then distress making it a 4 day project! IT WASN'T! ONLY 1 day! Start to finish!

Monday, December 15, 2014

This advent calendar starts a little later than the usual 25 days of Christmas because I don't have 25 pieces to my nativity!

This was an idea I had last year to keep Christ is Christmas. We open up a piece of the nativity every day until Christmas Eve, and that's when we open Jesus. We talk about each person and their role in that special event. This kept the true spirit of Christmas in our home. I know it will in yours too.

Take a nativity- ceramic, wooden, plastic, glass whatever you have and wrap each piece.

Number each package.

Open each package according to the numbers and enjoy the Christmas story over and over again.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

I'm never going back to regular breadcrumbs. This Chicken Parmesan with Corn Chex Breadcrumbs is the BEST I've ever had! I've made it 4 times in the last week because I love it THAT much!

I've been attempting more and more recipes that are deemed "gluten free."

I have a dear friend who is gluten free, and who has been visiting for the past couple months. I've wanted to attempt this for a while now and finally did! I didn't know what I was missing! I can't wait to make this for her!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

This is one of our all time favorite salads. Everyone asks for it on special occasions or big family get together's. My sister found this recipe and has been making it for years. She gave it to me when I was off and on my own in a little cookbook for Christmas. That has been one of my most treasured cook books, it has her fool proof recipes that taste FABULOUS! Well this amazing salad that looks tricky is super easy! This is the ultimate "Super Spinach Salad!" Try it out! It's perfect for the holidays!

Super Spinach Salad

2 pkgs fresh Spinach

2 c. shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1 c. Cottage Cheese

8 strips cooked and crumbled Bacon

*optional 1/2 c. chopped red onion

*optional sliced fresh mushrooms

Dressing - this works best in a mason jar with a lid

1/2 c. Sugar

1 T. Dry Mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

(SHAKE JAR)

Now add into the jar:

1 c. Oil

1/3 c. Apple cider Vinegar

1 1/2 T. Poppy Seeds

(SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE)

***WAIT to pour the dressing over the spinach JUST before serving or it wilts into a puny pile of sad spinach.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Need an easy Family Home Evening lesson for tonight?! Try this! I have it all here for you. Scriptures to tell the story, the coloring page and the song. This is one of our favorites! Toothpicks to act as arrows and a clear bowl as Heavenly Father's protection. Try it out!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Need a self serve appetizer for the holidays? How about some cream cheese and tomato bruchetta? Toast some baguette slices and a swipe of cream cheese. Add fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado and some grilled chicken cubes. Then presto! You have a fun, colorful and DELICIOUS appetizer that anyone can make/ put together themselves. Easy and delicious on your part!

In stead of purchasing a baguette, I made some mini loaves of my easy Parmesan Herb Bread. DELISH!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Do you have family coming over for the holidays? Make these show stopping muffins! These go by way too fast! I've made this recipe 4 times to get it just right. I can't wait to make these for breakfast/brunch. Muffins, milk and fresh fruit... perfect!

Monday, November 3, 2014

I made this a few weeks ago with my cousin Dallin while my husband was away for a few days. I wanted it to be a surprise when he got home, and man was it ever! Thank heavens Dallin was here to help me or it never would have been done in time!

I had a BIG wall in our basement and had NO idea what to do with it. I have always wanted a giant world map. My sister has one in her basement but it was a giant canvas and I didn't have the money to spend on one. I looked around our new home and found materials left from grandparents (we purchased my husband's grandparents home) and we did it! We had everything on hand!

I found some old wood fence posts on the side of the house, and a full quart of white ceiling paint in a storage room. We grabbed them and went to town! This whole thing was free to me! I didn't have to go out and buy a thing! I am SO BLESSED!

It could be free for you too! Here's what we did!

Steps 1.- 4. as seen above in the picture

1.

Fence Posts, we did NOTHING to these fence posts. One side was lighter and "sun scorched" while the other had a little stain still on it. Pick the side you want and lay out the boards you want. We used 12 boards total. 10 for the "surface boards" and 2 for the "braces." I lined up the surface boards the way I wanted them. I didn't want it perfect, I wanted it a little mismatched and "rustic."

Grab 2 more boards and cut them (that's where Dallin came in, we didn't have a table saw) to fit vertically, as shown in the picture.

Nail or screw the 2 "brace boards" to ALL of the boards you laid out. it took quite a few screws. But at least I know it's secure.

Then we washed it. we sprayed it down and made sure there were no "friends" living inside. These boards had spiders and cob webs at every bead, they were dusty and dirty so it definitely needed a shower. Let it dry in the sun, then bring it into your home for painting.

(Don't forget to put a sheet or drop cloth down, then put the wood piece on it)

2.

Find a family member or a friend you can borrow a projector from. I was lucky enough to have an uncle who uses projectors for work and he had 2 extra! I hooked it up to my computer, found the map I wanted, and started painting once my kids were in bed.

3.

I grabbed our THICK ceiling paint we had on hand and started to outline each continent. The ceiling paint was a fluke, but worked amazing! It was PERFECT for what I needed it to do. It was so thick that it got right into the wood and didn't "soak" in. I only had to paint 1 coat!

4.

Lastly, fill in the outlined continents with your paint, to make them solid.

Let dry, then hang up!

My father in law was kind enough to come out and use his tools to screw this bad boy right into the wall. I have such an AWESOME family!

I hope you find inspiration in this and can make one of your own!I didn't think I could ever make this, but it's possible! Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Have you ever had those chocolate powdered sugar "crackle cookies?" I always call them crackle cookies because they have cracks all on their tops. Well one day I was making some Chocolate Cake Cookies and decided to try and make them into "crackle" cookies. I had just made a fresh batch of my Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix and thought that would be the perfect powder topping. It was a hit! These were FABULOUS, EASY AND YUMMY! It's the perfect way to bring in the winter flavors of hot cocoa!

In a mixing bowl combine, cake mix, eggs, applesauce and vanilla. Mix, mix, mix. Place rounds on a greased cookie sheet. Place 1 tsp. Hot cocoa powder on top of each round. Don't press down, when they cook, they will flatten and "crackle" themselves.

Monday, October 20, 2014

About 4 weeks ago I was asked to give a cooking demonstration at our church's "women's activity night." I thought, "just because I have a blog, doesn't mean I need to be giving cooking demonstrations!" But I accepted, and the theme we came up with was "back to school cooking".

I've said before, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my crock pot. I have 2 now and I want a 3rd. Just call me crock pot crazy. I broke down my favorite recipes, my tried and true easiest of easy to demonstrate at this activity. I printed off pictures of the recipes and placed them on easels so the viewers could see what the finished product would look like. I can't physically make a 10 hour crock pot meal in 30 minutes. So, I wen't over tips and tricks, and explained how simple crock pot meals can be, especially on BUSY school/school activity days.

I broke down my recipes into 10 hour meals, and 3 hour meals.

For example, if you have children going to school, you can make a 10 hour meal right after they leave in the morning and it will be done for dinner. Or, you can prepare a 3 hour meal just before they return home to be done in time for dinner. Either way you choose, you get dinner prepared without "disturbances."

It's been so fun having wonderful women who I admire, come and they say they've tried my recipes and want more! If you are in need of my favorite 10 and 3 hour crock pot recipes here they are!

Monday, October 13, 2014

I've been on a big crock pot kick the last few weeks. WE MOVED! We moved to a new state and new house; my crock pot has been a life saver! We've been unpacking the house and the last thing I want to worry about is dinner; especially after an exhausting day of boxes and tape. I've been so grateful for my slow cooker keeping my family happy and fed! This is one of our new fast favorites. Only 4 ingredients!

Place filleted & quartered chicken in a greased crock pot. Pour the stuffing mix over the chicken. In a bowl combine the soup and broth. Pour over the chicken and stuffing. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or until chicken in done.

*This was the perfect portion for our family of 4. If your family is larger, double the recipe.

Monday, October 6, 2014

Is hot chocolate one of your indulgences? It sure is one of mine! I grew up spoiled. We always had homemade hot chocolate mix in the cupboard ready for cold days. It's been SUPER cold here for the past week. It feels like November! I called my mom and asked for the hot chocolate mix recipe. I made it and was thrown back to my childhood. Delicious!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Halloween is upon us. Need a fun inexpensive wreath to spruce up your door or wall? Make this in 20 minutes! Just scrapbook paper, hot glue and a piece of card stock or cardboard. So easy, you will make one for every season, just like me!

How to make a Halloween Paper Wreath

1. Take 12x12 pieces of Halloween scrapbook paper and cut into 6 in squares.

(just cut it in half, then those in half again!)

Roll the square into a cone and glue along the seam

2. Cut a circle from a piece of card stock, cardboard, a paper plate etc.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Looking for a fast finger food to serve your guests at your next get together? How about these Veggie Stick Cups?! They're a fun individual serving of veggie sticks and dip. This is a much healthier alternative to most finger food served at large parties. Fresh, fast and fabulous!

Steps

In clear "cocktail cups" place a dollop of your favorite salad dressing or dip

Wash, peel and slice whole carrots into "sticks"

Wash and cut celery stalks into "sticks"

Mix the carrot and celery sticks together and place a handful in each prepared "sauce cup" then serve.

Yum...

*If preparing in advance, cut and slice all of the veggie "sticks"- place in separate plastic bags and refrigerate.

Monday, September 15, 2014

It's getting colder, fall is upon is. I LOVE FALL! Fall is my most favorite season. I love the colors, the crunching of leaves, the warm clothes, everything! Another one of my most favorite things about fall is the soups! I have always been a soup fanatic, I LOVE SOUP! This crock pot chicken taco soup is delicious! Throw it all together in the morning and its perfectly done for dinner. Delish!

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup

2-3 chicken breasts

1 can black beans - drained and rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes- + 1 can water

1 can corn- drained and rinsed

1 can kidney beans- drained and rinsed

2 T. Taco Seasoning

2 tsp. Salt

2 T. Dehydrated Onion

2 c. Chicken Broth (2 c. water and 2 tsp. chicken bouillon)

1 can refried beans (Optional)

Place all ingredients in a greased crock pot. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or High for 6. When done, shred the chicken in the soup with 2 forks. Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream, avocados, and salsa.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Are you hungry and need something fast? This savory lunch/dinner bowl is whipped up in just 10 minutes! Talk about your down home feel good food. This is my new "go to" fast fix for lunch. It has all the elements of a full meal in 1 bowl. DELICIOUS!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Not only are these Milk Free, Gluten Free, and Sugar Free, these taste AMAZING!

I was HUGELY skeptical of my mother-in-law who has been going 4 months without sugar when she gave me this recipe. For one, I LOVE sweets; I always have and always will. But of course, as everyone, I try to keep my sugar intake in check.

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe and said it was a great subtly cookie that cut her sugar craving quick. I knew I had to try it. I made it, ate it, and loved it. Talk about a GREAT wholesome cookie!

We've been eating these for BREAKFAST! Just 4-5 cookies gives you your "bowl of oatmeal" and fruit for the morning! Perfectly delicious.

If you have any friends or family members with allergies, spread the word! These delicious cookies are GREAT!

Crasin Cookies

3 mashed ripe Bananas

1/3 c. Applesauce

2 1/4 c. Rolled Oats
(if these need to be Gluten Free, make sure you have gluten free oats, not all oats are gluten free)

1 Egg

1/2 c. Crasins

1 tsp. Vanilla

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and place by rounds on a cookie sheet. Press gently down on the batter round to slightly flatten. They won't change shape. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. or until bottoms are golden brown.

These are a DELICIOUS breakfast! Who says you can't have cookies for breakfast?!

Monday, August 25, 2014

Want to switch up your salsa routine? This is the blend for you! This gives an INCREDIBLE flavor to any mexi-dish you make. I made this for visiting family and they went CRAZY! It was gone in a matter of minutes. My husband actually asked if I put green food coloring in it. He was shocked that food had that intense of color. Fresh and flavorful. This is our new favorite, I'm sure it will be yours too.

Place all ingredients (except the tomato) in a blender, food processor, or ninja and pulse until well blended. Fold in diced tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips or garnish on tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, etc.
DELISH!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Have you tried to make your own Toaster Waffles yet? Well if you haven't, you should! They're SO EASY! You make waffles, freeze them, pop them in the toaster and eat! So simple you'll wonder why you've been buying freezer waffles for so long! This is AWESOME for busy mornings when you don't have time to make waffles from scratch. Back to school breakfast here we come!

Friday, August 15, 2014

Costume or party favor, this is easy and awesome! Done in 2 minutes, seriously 2 minutes. With fuzzy pipe cleaners, pom poms and a head band. Come to think of it, you might have everything on hand right now! We were given the pipe cleaners and pom poms for free from craftprojectideas.com. They have awesome crafting supplies for kids. Is your child having a bug themed birthday party? Are you getting excited for Halloween? If you answered yes to any of those questions then these are the thing for you!

Step 1:

Take the fuzzy sticks/pipe cleaners and wrap the ends around the headband

Monday, August 11, 2014

This is NOT a sponsored post. I just want EVERYONE out there to have this "sunburn savior" on hand! This SAVED MY SKIN!

My thighs have not seen sun light for quite a while. We have a family reunion in a couple weeks and I thought it would be best to have a little color on my neon white legs, so everyone doesn't need sunglasses to look at me. Well, within the first 15 minutes of the hot sun, I was feeling a little heat. I thought, "oh I'll be fine, its just hot outside." Well I was wrong. WHOO WEE! I got a sunburn, a GOOOD sunburn! I didn't know what to do. I started going through my cabinets like a mad woman trying to find something would cool my scorched skin. Aloe always helped to cool but never kept me from peeling. I remembered using this on my sore muscles, (which is AWESOME by the way) and when my husband had a skin irritation and thought, why not on my sunburn?

Well it worked! My sunburn was gone in 2 days and I never peeled! I called and told them how amazing it was on my sunburn and ordered some more! I told them about my blog, and they said that if I told all my readers about it, and you order online, they'll send you a free Lip Doc! Just type in the comment bar
COOK AND CRAFT ME CRAZY

and they'll send you a FREE Lip Doc!

I got some when I ordered more and it is AMAZING! It has an SPF 15 and actually HEALS your dry lips! This is an AWESOME FREE-BEE! DON'T MISS OUT!

Saturday, August 9, 2014

This is the first year I send a child to school. Even if it is Preschool I want her to be prepared for the start of many years to come. I know I will be making lots of these sandwich/ snack containers for more than just school. These can hold cookies, small toys, and crayons. Just about anything small can be put in one of these bad boys. To make this comes pretty cheap too. Just an empty milk jug, and scissors.